HONORING FIRE CAPTAIN BRET BUTLER

HONORING FIRE CAPTAIN BRET BUTLER

Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 35 (Friday, February 21, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 35 (Friday, February 21, 2025)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E141] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING FIRE CAPTAIN BRET BUTLER ______ HON. MIKE THOMPSON of california in the house of representatives Friday, February 21, 2025 Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Fire Captain Bret Butler, a dedicated and courageous member of the Lake Pillsbury Fire Protection District. I have named Captain Butler as the California 4th District's Public Safety Hero of the Year for Lake County in recognition of his extraordinary selflessness, leadership, and unwavering commitment to protecting his community. Captain Butler was born in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and raised in Walnut Creek, California. He graduated from Northgate High School before pursuing studies at the Controlled Data Institute in San Francisco. After spending much of his professional life in Concord, he retired to his cabin--now his permanent home--in the Rice Fork community of Lake Pillsbury. Captain Butler has been a steadfast leader in the Lake Pillsbury Fire Protection District, where he has risen through the ranks from Firefighter to Fire Captain. In addition to his operational leadership, he serves as the Federal Excess Equipment Program coordinator with CalFire. He also demonstrated remarkable bravery during the 2018 Mendocino Complex Fire, aiding in firefighting efforts and the evacuation of a Hotshot crew. Within the community, he is widely regarded as the unofficial ``Mayor'' and ``Real Estate Agent'' of our Rice Fork community due to his deep-rooted involvement and dedication to the well-being of its residents. Captain Butler is happily married to his wife, Debra Butler. Beyond his firefighting duties, Captain Butler has made countless contributions to the Lake Pillsbury community. He played a crucial role in procuring and installing mile marker signs along the 36-mile stretch of road in the Lake Pillsbury Basin, greatly improving emergency response times. He has also been a key advocate for evacuation route improvements, drone mapping projects, and defensible space initiatives, particularly for seniors and veterans. Additionally, he facilitated the donation of an ambulance and fire engine to the district and personally installed a solar system for Fire Station 2. Mr. Speaker, Fire Captain Bret Butler's courage, leadership, and dedication to service have had a profound impact on his community. His selfless actions during the Mendocino Complex Fire and his ongoing contributions to public safety exemplify the very best of our first responders. It is with great honor and deep appreciation that we recognize him today. ____________________